Caminos Teen Leadership Program in Austin, TX - Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center

This documentary short is about the Caminos Teen Leadership program by the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center in Austin, TX. The video was created by Jana Birchum, who recorded the teens as they led their annual "Breaking Barriers" workshop in Spring 2024. The documentary examines the ways that the Caminos program brings teens together through community outreach and connecting to Latino culture through music and dance. In this 10-month paid intership, the teens engage in art making, peer leadership building, and explorations of mental health. They graduate the program and go on to pursue college and careers while using the skills they've learned as peer leaders. Many of them continue in their careers with the Emma S. Barrientos Cultural Center / City of Austin. Our Caminos graduates have gone on to be graphic designers, event producers, activity specialists, Summer Camp leaders, and more! Thanks to all the Caminos and ESB MACC participants and the film's producers.